by Jenn Artero, RN

Thanksgiving's right around the corner and everyone wants to know is turkey the better meat. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, turkey has a key ingredient known as tryptophan.

Tryptophan is an amino acid in turkey that converts to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin promotes relaxation and sleepiness, so think about it. It's important to know that while white turkey meat is healthier because it has less fat and less calories, don't completely skip the dark turkey meat because its pretty good, too. Dark turkey meat contains higher levels of some minerals and vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, iron, B-6, and zinc.

So here's the scoop; the USDA National Nutrient Database agrees that turkey is a good meat choice this Thanksgiving season. it will assists to increase LDL blood levels (the good cholesterol), has less fat and calories, will increase mineral and vitamin intake, is high in protein, and may aid to decrease the risk of some cancers.

Newest recommendations from the ADA is to enjoy all your favorites, but try to follow the new American plate proportions recently launched. Fill two-thirds of your plate with vegetables, whole grains, beans and fruits and one-third or less with meat. And remember to take a quick walk or do something physical for about 30 minutes before and after eating your Thanksgiving meal. You'll feel more energetic and it'll help you manage your appetite better this holiday season.

You can easily email me your health and wellness questions or topics of interest to nursejenn@kuam.com.